This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

Most cat bites occur when cat owners are bitten by their pets. But even if your cat has all her shots, it is important to take care of the wound and monitor it closely so you will notice immediately if it starts to get infected. Cats have long fangs, so their bites can be deep and prone to infection.[1]XResearch source

Assess the severity of the bite. Sometimes cats just give warning nips without breaking the skin, other times the bites can result in deep punctures from their fangs.[2]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Inspect the bite and look for areas where the skin may have been broken.

A child may be crying and scared, even if the bite did not break the skin.

Wash a minor bite. If the cat’s teeth did not break the skin or broke the skin but did not go deep, you can wash and clean the bite at home.[3]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source[4]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source

Thoroughly wash the bite with soap and clean tap water, allowing the water to flow over the bite and remove dirt and bacteria from the wound. Hold the bite under running water for several minutes.

Gently squeeze the bite to help the blood flow. This will help remove dirt and bacteria from the inside of the wound.

Disinfect the wound to prevent bacteria or other pathogens from growing. Put the disinfectant on a sterile cotton ball and then gently wipe it over the bite. It will probably sting, but only briefly. The following chemicals have excellent germicidal properties:[5]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source

Prevent infection in a minor bite by applying an over-the-counter antibiotic cream. Smear a pea-sized amount of topical antibiotic cream over all areas where the skin was broken.[6]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Triple antibiotic creams are widely available and effective. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Talk to a doctor before using these medications on infants or if you are pregnant.

Go to the doctor if your bite is too serious for you to care for it adequately. This includes bites that:[7]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source

Take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them. This can help reduce your chances of getting an infection. They are frequently prescribed for severe cat bites, particularly for people who are have weakened immune systems from conditions like diabetes or HIV or are undergoing chemotherapy. Your doctor may prescribe:[9]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source

Determine the cat’s immunization status. Unvaccinated cats may be infected with diseases that can be transmitted through bites and are dangerous for people. [10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

If the cat is a pet, consult the owner about whether the cat is up-to-date on its shots. If the cat is yours, check your records to see when it was last vaccinated.

Go to the doctor immediately if the cat is wild, feral, or you can’t confirm that it was up-to-date on its shots. Even if the cat looked healthy, you should still go to the doctor if you can confirm that the cat had its shots. The cat could still have been carrying a disease, but just not have been symptomatic.

Get vaccinated if necessary. People who have been bitten by cats are at risk for several diseases. Your doctor may recommend you be vaccinated for:[11]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Rabies. While some animals with rabies may be clearly ill, including the classic symptom of foaming at the mouth, the disease can be transmitted before the symptoms become obvious. If there is a chance you were infected with rabies, the doctor will vaccinate you against the infection.[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Tetanus. Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that is in dirt and animal feces. This means that if your wound looks dirty or deep, and you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the last five years, your doctor may give you one to be sure that you won’t get infected.[13]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source

Monitor the wound for signs of infection. Go to the doctor immediately if you have any of the following signs of infection: [14]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source

Learn how to recognize when cats are feeling threatened. Most cat bites occur when cats feel that they have to defend themselves. If you have pet cats, teach your children to understand your cats' body language. A cat that is scared may:

Hiss

Growl

Lay his ears flat against his head

Become pilo erect, in which the fur stands up, making the cat look bigger than usual

Community Q&A

Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

You need to wash the wound gently with soap and water. Then, apply presure with a clean towel to the injured area to stop any bleeding. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound. Finally, keep the wound elevated above your heart to prevent swelling and infection. Contact a doctor if it begins to get infected.

I previously got bit by a cat, which lead to a trip to the ER. I got rabies and tetanus shots. I got bit again, should I seek medical help?

Community Answer

If the bite is deep with broken skin, or is bleeding a lot, then yes, you should seek medical treatment. If it seems superficial, just wash the wound and cover it with a band-aid, then keep an eye out for infection as it heals.

My wound is on the wrist. There was some drainage of blood and a clear fluid the first day, but now it's closed and shows no sign of infection. It still throbs, though. Do I seek help?

Community Answer

You should seek help if you have any suspicion that something is up. In this scenario, yes you should. Even if it’s nothing, making sure you don’t have anything dangerous is better that taking the risk of ignoring it in case it's not.

Determine the severity of the bite, then act accordingly based on the information above. If it is severe enough to prompt a trip to the hospital, tell your doctor all the details immediately. If you haven't had a tetanus shot recently, I'd suggest getting one.

About This Article

This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Matsko is a retired Physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has been awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He received his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007.

To treat a cat bite, seek medical attention if the wound is deep, on your face, bleeding a lot, or on one of your joints or tendons. You should also seek medical attention if you were bitten by a cat you don't know since it might not be vaccinated. If you're dealing with a minor cat bite from a cat that you know is vaccinated, you can treat it at home instead. First, thoroughly wash the area with soap and water. Then, disinfect the area by swabbing it with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. When you're finished, apply an antibiotic cream to the bite to help prevent an infection. Finally, cover the bite with a bandage to keep dirt and bacteria out. For advice from our Medical co-author, like how to prevent future cat bites, scroll down!